Who are we?

Playing Up is a Bath-based theatre company with a justified reputation for superb acting performances and technical excellence. Our shows regularly sell out and we have a loyal and growing support base. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and no matter how simple the production, the staging must be flawless. This means that the set, sound, lights, costumes and props must be perfect every time. In addition we are firmly dedicated to the idea that live theatre should teach us all something. Playing Up has built a strong reputation performing plays that are relevant to GCSE and A Level students, whether they are curriculum set texts or coursework linked.

How do we do it?

The company consists of teachers, directors, professional and ex-professional actors and technicians with over fifty years experience in theatre between us. This ranges from pantomime to open air Shakespeare, medieval street theatre to musicals, Greek tragedy to farce. Our experience of different staging styles ranges from theatre in the round to traverse, thrust stage to proscenium arch, static open air to mobile street performances. We have worked for other companies, professional and amateur, large and small; appeared in theatres in Bristol, Bath, London, Winchester and Cornwall; performed at festivals ranging from The Edinburgh Fringe and The Bath Fringe to Glastonbury and learnt something important at every stage.

What has united us and led to the creation of Playing Up is a shared belief that theatrical productions should be occasionally thought provoking, often challenging and always enjoyable….for cast and crew as well as for audience. If it isn't an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone, then it isn't worth doing.

Click the menu items above for more information on productions, the people involved and contact information. Click here if you want to join in.

OUR NEXT PRODUCTION

Playing Up will return to The Rondo between 11th and 14th November 2009 with Timberlake Wertenbaker's Our Country's Good.  This fantastic play, originally commissioned by Max Stafford-Clark while at The Royal Court Theatre, is one of the most popular British plays of the Twentieth Century and is now a set text at A Level.  For more information see the Shows Page.

About the Play    About the Playwright

STOP PRESS

Sophie will be directing this year's joint open-air Shakespeare production on behalf of Bath Drama and The Rondo Theatre Company.  The Taming of The Shrew will be performed from Wed 15th to Sat 18th July in The Botanical Gardens, Royal Victoria Park, Bath.  Performances start at 7pm and tickets (ONLY available on the gate) are priced £5 for adults and £2.50 for children under 15.  Bring a picnic and enjoy this fast and silly comedy in a beautiful location.  All profits will be donated to a local charity.